The Mets entered this season expecting to buy at the trade deadline. Instead, they’re sitting at 34-41 as the third-worst team in the National League and dead last in the NL East.
That’s put Freddy Peralta squarely in trade speculation. The Mets acquired the right-hander from Milwaukee during the offseason to anchor their rotation, but with playoff hopes fading and Peralta hitting free agency after the season, they’re looking at dealing him to recoup some value.
Peralta’s been solid if not spectacular in his 15 starts with New York, going 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Those aren’t the All-Star numbers he posted last season when he finished in the top five for Cy Young voting, but for contending teams, he’d still represent a quality No. 3 starter with No. 2 upside.
“At 33-41, the Mets entered Thursday trailing the first-place Braves by 13 1/2 games, sitting 5 1/2 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot. New York is likely to wait until the Trade Deadline draws near before selling, but if that time comes, Peralta figures to be the Mets’ most appealing asset,” wrote Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
The way I see it, the Mets will hold onto Peralta until closer to the deadline before making any final decisions. But if they do decide to sell, the 30-year-old becomes their most valuable trade chip.
Potential Landing Spots
Feinsand identifies the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays as potential suitors for Peralta. But two of those three seem like longshots.
The Cardinals would benefit from Peralta’s veteran presence, no question. Their rotation could use the upgrade. But if they’re going to make a significant move, they’ll probably target someone with team control beyond this season – think Reid Detmers from the Angels rather than a pending free agent.
Cleveland’s even less likely to pull the trigger. The Guardians typically make lateral moves to fill needs rather than big splashes for rental players, especially ones commanding the type of return Peralta would bring.
That leaves Tampa Bay as the most realistic fit. The Rays have a history of acquiring quality arms at the deadline and maximizing their performance. Peralta’s track record and stuff profile seems right up thier alley.
All things considered, the Mets are in no rush to move Peralta yet. But with 13.5 games separating them from first place, that calculus could change quickly if they fall further behind over the next few weeks.
